Inspired in part by Roxy Music’s recent tour after an 18-year break, Concrete Blonde began to think along similar lines. Disbanded since 1995, the group’s members got together in August 2001 for some jam time and discovered they still enjoyed playing. From that jam session came their new album, Group Therapy, and plans for a tour.

The band, with all three original members (Johnette Napolitano, Jim Mankey and Harry Rushakoff), played their first gig since 1995 this past September 30 as a benefit for the American Red Cross.

While Concrete Blonde split up more than seven years ago, the members remained on active duty in the music world. Frontwoman Napolitano has been busy with other bands, including Pretty Twisted, which she formed with Holly Vincent. Most notably, Napolitano and Blonde guitarist Mankey hooked up with fellow Los Angeles band Los Illegals to record Concrete Blonde Y Los Illegals in 1997.

Napolitano also has a hand in performance art. Her “Greatest Hits” multi-media installation at the LH Horton Jr. Gallery on the campus of San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif., features a solo exhibition incorporating turntables and speakers used as a canvas.

Drummer Rushakoff and Jimmer Podrasky of the Rave-Ups formed the Miserys in 1996.

Group Therapy, Concrete Blonde’s first album since 1993’s Mexican Moon, is due for a January 15 release.